Verified User - to help combat trolls?

[GreenHairThingy]

I had this idea the other day and wondered what others thought of it. Obviously there will be holes in my idea, but wanted to air it.

Not sure if it's technically possible, with the Mumsnet tech as I believe it's quite an old system, but worth airing my thought.

Basically, is there a way for users to become verified, this should deter the majority of goady fuckers, begging posts, trolls and occasional pile on from outside forums or platforms when they believe we should be silenced or taught a lesson.

Basically, if you've been here either 1 year or 1000* posts (whichever comes first?) you get a V by your username. This is regardless of name changes, the V is linked to your Mumsnet account so shows up regardless of your current name.

Obviously the more determined troll would just play the long game, but I think it could help get a lot of the Trolly bollocks we see, off the boards.

*have picked these out of the blue as a starting idea.

Hi OP

Many thanks for your thoughts - we'll pass it on for discussion!

Thanks Lily 😊

I totally agree with this idea. I've been here since it was all fields 2007 and honestly it would make such a difference.

Good plan.

But people can still troll with a nc even with a verified account.

It would deter many trolls. They don't want to play the long game and wait a year to post, they will go elsewhere. Obviously the very determined will wait it out or make lots of nonsense posts to build their post count, but generally I think it's a great idea.

It wouldn't be about post counts then would it? A nc doesn't show post count. It's about how long they've had the account so they can easily make lots of accounts and leave it alone till a year. Then troll with the verified accounts.

I'm sure it will delay some trolls while waiting for a year verification then afterwards, an onslaught of trolling from newly verified accounts. Won't make much difference.

It wouldn't be about post counts then would it? A nc doesn't show post count. It's about how long they've had the account so they can easily make lots of accounts and leave it alone till a year. Then troll with the verified accounts.

The suggestion made was a year or 1000 posts.

The name change to carry over.

Very few trolls will make an account then wait a year to post where there are so many other places for them to troll immediately.

Right.sorry. I missed the 1000 post suggestion.
You have a point. I'm just saying they can easily make their accounts, go off and troll other places then check in here after a year and continue. I'm sure it will deter some though.

At first I thought that was a brilliant idea, I've been here a long time but do like to name change for fun sometimes so having a V or something would be useful. However, what about the genuine newbies with an odd question? There are actually quite a lot of first time posters and sometimes they have really "out there" posts. It would mean more people would immediately just assume they are a troll and start picking on them. Just being devil's advocate on the other side...

Yes I think of that too, Prickles. There will be more accusations of trolling than ever. Without the V, trolls will slip through the net more often but with the V, newbies who aren't trolls will have a hard time.

It would stop the boring preamble of "I've been here ages..." lists 20 odd ancient posts that make them one of the 'old crew'.
And the "interesting first post OP" accusations etc.

I would say no for the simple reason I think some of the worst scammers did not start off that way.

I think someone posting an ‘I have no electricity and nothing in the cupboards’ post with a V by their name would elicit so many offers and I’m afraid I really don’t think that’s a good thing.

@PricklesAndSpikes

At first I thought that was a brilliant idea, I've been here a long time but do like to name change for fun sometimes so having a V or something would be useful. However, what about the genuine newbies with an odd question? There are actually quite a lot of first time posters and sometimes they have really "out there" posts. It would mean more people would immediately just assume they are a troll and start picking on them. Just being devil's advocate on the other side...

Yes this is a drawback. I suppose it would then also lead to preambles of "not yet verified but been lurking for years".

@daffodilsandprimroses

I would say no for the simple reason I think some of the worst scammers did not start off that way.

I think someone posting an ‘I have no electricity and nothing in the cupboards’ post with a V by their name would elicit so many offers and I’m afraid I really don’t think that’s a good thing.

I agree however the V wouldn't mean "This is definitely a genuine person", people would still need to use common sense.

But again I do see how it could lead to a false sense of security.

@ScruffALuff

It would stop the boring preamble of "I've been here ages..." lists 20 odd ancient posts that make them one of the 'old crew'. And the "interesting first post OP" accusations etc.

I'll see if I can get 20... (in no particular order) Mango Juggling Red rug Judge Flounce Narnia SWMNBM St George's quizzes Olympic Horses Brian from Hull VSC and the High Sift (Slubber) Hamster stew Franny and the wnaky baskets UCM is that you Pink Peter Secret Santa first iteration, after the Farepak collapse Etc

@ScruffALuff

It would stop the boring preamble of "I've been here ages..." lists 20 odd ancient posts that make them one of the 'old crew'. And the "interesting first post OP" accusations etc.

If it stops people quoting “naice ham and pom bears” then I’m all for it tbh

Yeah people aren’t very good at using common sense IME!

Yeah it's failed at the "common sense" hurdle 😂😂 (I prefer to think of people as pure of heart and good intent.... when I'm feeling generous )